Lawyers for Prince Harry appeared in a London court on Tuesday, shortly after he lost his legal challenge over UK security arrangements and gave an emotional interview revealing a rift with his father, King Charles. Harry, singer Elton John, and five other public figures are suing Associated Newspapers Ltd (ANL)—publisher of the Daily Mail, Mail on Sunday, and MailOnline—for alleged unlawful practices spanning 30 years.
Allegations of Privacy Violations
The claimants accuse ANL of “widespread use of unlawful information gathering,” including phone tapping, home bugging, and deceit to obtain medical records. They say senior editors and reporters participated in these activities. ANL denies the accusations, calling the “lurid claims made by Prince Harry and others” “simply preposterous.”
Disclosure Dispute Ahead of Full Trial
David Sherborne, representing the seven claimants, told the court that the two-day hearing will focus on securing additional disclosure ahead of a full trial next year. He argued that “the approach to disclosure has allowed only a partial picture of the wrongdoing.” ANL’s lawyers countered that the claimants haven’t provided evidence to support allegations of hacking, tapping, blagging, or perjury.
Security Ruling and Family Fallout
Last Friday, Harry lost an appeal against the UK government’s decision to remove his automatic police protection. He described the outcome as “devastated” and revealed in a BBC interview that his father “no longer speaks to me” over the security issue. King Charles is currently undergoing cancer treatment, and Harry said he doesn’t know “how much longer my father has.”
Ongoing Press Battles
Since stepping back from royal duties in March 2020, Harry and his wife Meghan have publicly criticized royal aides and tabloids. Harry has successfully sued Mirror Group Newspapers and settled with Rupert Murdoch’s group over intrusions into Princess Diana’s privacy. Their current suit against ANL marks the latest legal front in Harry’s fight against press intrusion.
